Humboldt University of Berlin Tuition Fees: Easy Steps to Study in Berlin

Humboldt University of Berlin tuition fees are €0 for undergraduate and consecutive master’s programmes, including for international students. You pay a semester fee of about €315, which includes a Berlin public transport ticket. Check hu-berlin.de for the current amount before you apply.

If you are a Nigerian or other international student asking how to study in Berlin, this guide covers the fees, the requirements, and how to apply, step by step. Last updated: October 2026.

Humboldt University of Berlin tuition fees for international students

“No tuition” rule covers undergraduate and consecutive master’s programmes. Some other programmes, such as non-consecutive or continuing-education master’s, can charge fees, so confirm on your programme’s page.

How much does it cost to live and study in Berlin?

You still need money for living costs. One Humboldt master’s programme page advises budgeting about €850 to €900 per month for housing, food, insurance and the semester fee, with health insurance at around €70 a month. Costs depend on your lifestyle and where you live.

Private universities are different. They charge tuition. For example, BSBI’s MBA page lists €19,440 (see the private option below.

What is the requirement to study in Germany?

Requirements depend on your programme, but most international applicants need:

• A school-leaving certificate or degree that Germany recognises for your level (for a bachelor’s, equivalent to the German Abitur; for a master’s, a recognised bachelor’s degree)
• Proof of language: German for most bachelor’s programmes, English or German for programmes taught in those languages
• Passport, CV and, for many master’s programmes, a motivation letter or references
• Proof of funds for your visa, often a blocked account. Commercial providers list the 2026 amount as €11,904 a year (€992 a month); confirm this on your embassy’s or the Federal Foreign Office website.
• Health insurance

Applicants whose certificates are not enough for direct entry may need a Studienkolleg, a preparation course that ends with an entrance exam. Applicants from some countries, such as China, India and Vietnam, need an APS certificate. Check whether your country is on that list.

Is Studying in Germany Difficult?

It depends on what you compare it with. The hard parts are usually the German language (for most bachelor’s programmes), document preparation and verification, and independent study without close supervision. Many students find it manageable if they start early and choose a programme that matches their language level.

How can I Get Free Education in Germany?

Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for most programmes, including for international students. You pay a semester fee.

The exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester. Berlin’s public universities, including Humboldt, do not charge tuition for undergraduate and consecutive master’s programmes. DAAD and other bodies also offer scholarships, which you can search on the DAAD website.

Step by Step How Can I Apply to a University in Berlin?

1. Choose your programme and check its language, level and entry requirements.
2. Check how to apply. Humboldt sends applications with non-German entrance qualifications to uni-assist, a central service for international applicants.
3. Prepare your documents (see the list below), including translations where needed.
4. Apply through uni-assist. The fee is €75 for your first application. Processing usually takes several weeks, so apply early.
5. Watch the deadlines. They vary. For example, one Humboldt master’s lists 14 June for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester for non-EU applicants.
6. Get your admission letter.
7. Apply for your German student visa if you are outside the EU.
8. Enrol and pay the semester fee.

Important Documents checklist: school and university certificates, final degree certificate with grades, certified translations, language certificates, passport copy, CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, proof of funds, and an APS certificate if your country requires one.